A position detection sensor includes a base made of a flexible material. The base includes a terminal section having a plurality of terminal conductors disposed on a first surface of the base. The base includes a sensor pattern section including a plurality of electrode conductors arranged in predetermined patterns in an area that does not overlap with the terminal section on the first surface of the base. End portions of the plurality of electrode conductors are positioned so as to be connectable to corresponding ones of the terminal conductors in the terminal section. The first surface of the base includes a region of the terminal section, a region of the sensor pattern section, and a bendable region between these two regions. Each of the plurality of electrode conductors, which is electrically connected to each of the plurality of terminal conductors, is disposed so as to be extensible in the bendable region.
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2. The position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the extra room portion includes a non-straight portion in the bendable region to be extensible in the bendable region.
A position detection sensor is designed to monitor the movement or position of a flexible or bendable structure, such as a robotic arm or a wearable device. The sensor includes a bendable region that allows it to conform to curved or irregular surfaces while maintaining accurate positional data. A key feature of this sensor is an extra room portion within the bendable region, which provides additional space to accommodate deformation without damaging the sensor's internal components. This extra room portion includes a non-straight section, such as a zigzag or curved shape, that allows the sensor to stretch or extend when the bendable region is flexed. The non-straight design ensures that the sensor remains functional even when subjected to repeated bending or stretching, improving durability and reliability in dynamic applications. The sensor may incorporate conductive traces or other sensing elements that remain intact despite the mechanical stress applied to the bendable region. This design is particularly useful in applications where the sensor must adapt to complex movements while maintaining precise positional feedback.
3. The position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the extra room portion includes a bent portion in the bendable region to be extensible in the bendable region.
A position detection sensor system includes a flexible sensor element with a bendable region designed to accommodate movement or deformation. The sensor element is configured to detect positional changes, such as bending or stretching, in the bendable region. To enhance flexibility and durability, the sensor includes an extra room portion within the bendable region. This extra room portion features a bent structure that allows the sensor to extend or contract more easily without damaging the sensor's internal components. The bent portion ensures that the sensor maintains its functionality even when subjected to repeated bending or stretching motions. The design prevents stress concentration in the bendable region, improving the sensor's lifespan and reliability. The sensor may be used in applications requiring flexible positioning, such as wearable devices, robotic joints, or flexible displays, where precise movement tracking is essential. The bent portion in the extra room portion enables the sensor to adapt to dynamic environments while maintaining accurate positional detection.
4. The position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrode conductors of the sensor pattern section include a first loop coil group including a plurality of loop coils arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction on the first surface of the base, and a second loop coil group including a plurality of loop coils arranged at predetermined intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the first surface of the base, each of the loop coils having a predetermined number of turns of the coated conducting wire.
A position detection sensor is designed to accurately detect the position of an object, such as a stylus or finger, on a sensing surface. The sensor includes a base with a sensor pattern section formed on its first surface. The sensor pattern section contains multiple electrode conductors arranged in a specific pattern to enable precise position detection. The electrode conductors are formed from a coated conducting wire, which is wound into loop coils. These loop coils are grouped into two distinct sets: a first loop coil group and a second loop coil group. The first loop coil group consists of multiple loop coils arranged at fixed intervals along a first direction on the base's surface. The second loop coil group consists of multiple loop coils arranged at fixed intervals along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Each loop coil in both groups has a predetermined number of turns of the coated conducting wire. This arrangement allows the sensor to detect positional changes in both the first and second directions, providing accurate and reliable position tracking. The use of loop coils in perpendicular directions enhances the sensor's ability to resolve positional data in two dimensions, making it suitable for applications requiring high precision, such as touchscreens or digitizer tablets.
5. The position detection sensor according to claim 4, wherein one end of each of the loop coils of the first loop coil group and the second loop coil group of the sensor pattern section is connected to a ground wire in the bendable region.
This invention relates to position detection sensors, specifically those used in flexible or bendable regions of devices. The problem addressed is the need for reliable position detection in bendable areas where traditional wiring may be prone to failure or signal degradation due to repeated flexing. The sensor includes a sensor pattern section with at least two groups of loop coils (a first and second loop coil group). Each loop coil in these groups has one end connected to a ground wire located within the bendable region. This design ensures stable electrical connections even when the sensor is flexed, preventing disconnections or signal loss. The ground wire's placement within the bendable region minimizes strain on the connections, enhancing durability. The loop coils are arranged to detect positional changes, such as those caused by user input or environmental factors, with high accuracy. The sensor may be integrated into flexible displays, touchscreens, or other bendable electronic devices where precise position detection is required. The ground wire connection design improves reliability in dynamic bending scenarios, addressing a key limitation of conventional rigid sensors in flexible applications.
6. The position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the terminal section is formed on a portion of the base to which a flexible connector board is attached, the flexible connector board having formed thereon a plurality of conductor patterns connected to the terminal conductors in the terminal section.
A position detection sensor includes a base with a terminal section where a flexible connector board is attached. The flexible connector board has multiple conductor patterns that connect to terminal conductors in the terminal section. This design allows for efficient electrical connections between the sensor and external circuitry. The sensor is used in applications requiring precise position detection, such as touchscreens or input devices. The flexible connector board provides a reliable and flexible connection method, accommodating various device configurations while maintaining signal integrity. The terminal section is specifically designed to interface with the flexible connector board, ensuring proper alignment and contact between the conductor patterns and terminal conductors. This configuration simplifies assembly and enhances durability, reducing the risk of connection failures. The sensor may also include additional features, such as a detection electrode for sensing positional changes or a protective layer to shield the components from environmental factors. The overall design optimizes performance, reliability, and ease of integration into electronic devices.
7. The position detection sensor according to claim 6, wherein a circuit board is connected to an end portion of the flexible connector board on a side opposite from a side on which the terminal section lies on the base, wherein the circuit board is provided with another terminal section to which the plurality of conductor patterns are connected.
A position detection sensor system includes a flexible connector board with a terminal section positioned on a base, where the terminal section connects to multiple conductor patterns. The flexible connector board extends from the base and is connected at its opposite end to a circuit board. This circuit board includes another terminal section that interfaces with the conductor patterns, enabling signal transmission or processing. The flexible connector board allows for movement or adjustment of the sensor relative to the base while maintaining electrical connectivity. The system is designed for applications requiring precise position detection, such as in industrial automation, robotics, or measurement devices, where flexibility and reliable signal transmission are essential. The circuit board provides additional functionality, such as signal conditioning or processing, to enhance the sensor's performance. The design ensures durability and consistent operation despite mechanical stress or movement.
8. The position detection sensor according to claim 7, wherein the base is bent in the bendable region to a side opposite to a side on which the first surface lies, so that the flexible connector board and the circuit board are positioned on the opposite side of the base with respect to the first surface.
A position detection sensor includes a base with a bendable region, a flexible connector board attached to the base, and a circuit board connected to the flexible connector board. The base has a first surface, and the bendable region allows the base to be bent. The flexible connector board is positioned on the first surface of the base and is electrically connected to the circuit board. The bendable region of the base is bent to the opposite side of the first surface, positioning the flexible connector board and the circuit board on the side of the base opposite to the first surface. This configuration enables the sensor to be compactly arranged in a device, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining electrical connectivity between the components. The bending of the base in the bendable region allows for flexible installation in confined spaces, improving adaptability in various applications. The circuit board may include electronic components for processing signals from the position detection sensor, and the flexible connector board ensures reliable electrical connections despite the bending of the base. This design is particularly useful in devices where space constraints require a compact and flexible sensor arrangement.
9. The position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrode conductors are not adhered to the base in the bendable region.
A position detection sensor system includes a flexible substrate with a bendable region and a plurality of electrode conductors arranged on the substrate. The electrode conductors are configured to detect positional information, such as touch or proximity, by generating electrical signals in response to user interaction. The sensor system may include a base layer that supports the substrate and electrodes, ensuring structural integrity and stability. In the bendable region of the substrate, the electrode conductors are not adhered to the base, allowing the substrate to flex or bend without damaging the conductive traces. This design enables the sensor to conform to curved surfaces or undergo repeated bending cycles while maintaining functionality. The non-adhered electrodes in the bendable region prevent stress concentration, reducing the risk of conductor breakage or signal degradation. The sensor may be used in flexible displays, wearable devices, or other applications requiring bendable input interfaces. The system may also include signal processing circuitry to interpret the detected positional data and provide output for further use. The flexible design allows the sensor to adapt to various form factors while ensuring reliable positional detection.
11. The position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the base is formed of a flexible board.
A position detection sensor system includes a base, a detection element, and a signal processing circuit. The base supports the detection element, which detects the position of a target object. The signal processing circuit processes signals from the detection element to determine the position. The base is made of a flexible board, allowing the sensor to conform to curved or irregular surfaces. This flexibility enhances adaptability in applications where rigid sensors are impractical, such as wearable devices, flexible displays, or curved industrial surfaces. The flexible base maintains structural integrity while enabling bending or folding without compromising sensor performance. The detection element may include optical, capacitive, or inductive sensors, depending on the application. The signal processing circuit converts raw sensor data into precise positional coordinates, compensating for any deformation of the flexible base. This design improves usability in dynamic environments where rigidity is a limitation. The flexible board may be made of materials like polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ensuring durability and flexibility. The sensor system is particularly useful in applications requiring conformal mounting, such as medical devices, robotics, or automotive interfaces.
12. The position detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the base is bent in the bendable region to a side opposite to a side on which the first surface lies, so that the terminal section is positioned on the opposite side of the base with respect to the first surface.
A position detection sensor includes a base with a bendable region and a terminal section. The base has a first surface, and the bendable region allows the base to be bent in a direction opposite to the first surface. When bent, the terminal section is positioned on the opposite side of the base relative to the first surface. This configuration enables the sensor to be installed in compact spaces while maintaining electrical connections. The bendable region provides flexibility, allowing the sensor to adapt to different installation environments without compromising structural integrity. The terminal section, positioned on the opposite side, ensures proper connectivity while minimizing interference with other components. This design is particularly useful in applications where space constraints require flexible sensor placement, such as in electronic devices or automotive systems. The bending mechanism ensures reliable positioning and functionality while optimizing space utilization.
18. The method for manufacturing the position detection sensor according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of electrode conductors of the sensor pattern section include a first loop coil group including a plurality of loop coils arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction on the first surface of the base, and a second loop coil group including a plurality of loop coils arranged at predetermined intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the first surface of the base, each of the loop coils having a predetermined number of turns of the coated conducting wire.
This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a position detection sensor, specifically a sensor that detects positional information using loop coils. The sensor includes a base with a sensor pattern section formed on its surface. The sensor pattern section comprises multiple electrode conductors arranged in a specific pattern to detect position. The method involves forming a first loop coil group and a second loop coil group on the base. The first loop coil group consists of multiple loop coils arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction on the base's surface. The second loop coil group consists of multiple loop coils arranged at predetermined intervals in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, also on the base's surface. Each loop coil in both groups is formed by winding a coated conducting wire a predetermined number of times. The arrangement of the loop coils in perpendicular directions allows for precise positional detection in two dimensions. The coated conducting wire ensures electrical insulation and structural integrity during the manufacturing process. This method enables the production of a sensor capable of accurately detecting positional information in both the first and second directions.
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August 18, 2022
May 7, 2024
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